National Health Outreach and Engagement Conference 2024

AUTHORS
Rossi, M.M., PhD, Radunovich, H.L. PhD, Licensed Psychologist and Parisi, M.A., PhD, RDN

ABSTRACT
Multiple Chronic conditions (MCC) have been associated with decreased quality of life, increased healthcare costs, and mortality. In 2023, with almost 4.4 million Veterans returning from active duty to live in rural communities throughout the 50 U.S. States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, challenges related to health resource accessibility in rural communities created unique barriers to self-care and management of MCC. This qualitative study assessed the health needs of rural Veterans in South Carolina and Florida. Atlas.ti was used for data analysis. A codebook was created and refined for interrater reliability. The results of the study revealed that 98 Veterans completed the survey. Most were married (71%) and male (81%). Fifty-four percent were over the age of 65. Sixty-nine percent reported having MCC, including musculoskeletal problems (45%) and heart/circulatory problems (other than hypertension) (24%). Also, 20% reported a diagnosis of diabetes/prediabetes, hypertension (17%) and diabetes neuropathy/nerve damage (10%). When we asked participants if they had heard or participated in any Cooperative Extension programming, 60% were unaware/had not participated in a program, 12% had heard about Extension but had not participated in a program, and only 23% participated. The themes revealed from this qualitative study led to the conclusion that Veterans in rural SC and FL have a high prevalence of MCC, yet Extension agents are not reaching rural Veterans. Tailoring Extension programs to rural Veterans is an appealing opportunity to engage with and assist Veterans with healthcare resource navigation for MCC.